We are proud of our past and we are prepared for the future!
Opened in September 1861 by John R. Wheeler, the Union Bank, later renamed Farmers & Merchants Union Bank, began general banking business on James Street in downtown Columbus.
Expansion began in 1919 when famed architect Louis Sullivan began construction on the Farmers & Merchants Union Bank building in downtown Columbus. Sullivan’s masterpiece, commonly known, as his “Jewel Box” became a showpiece for the small town of Columbus and made the National Historical Registry in 1972. The Jewel Box bank was designated a National Historic Landmark (the highest designation of all historic places in 1983.)
The beautifully ornamented Columbus bank, known as the Farmers & Merchants Union Bank, would be the last of eight small community banks Louis Sullivan completed. These eight banks would later become known as Sullivan’s ‘Jewel Boxes.’ Our bank is one of only two to be operating as a bank today. Meticulously maintained, this historic landmark is open for tours!
Farmers & Merchants Union Bank has grown over the last 150+ years to include six locations throughout Columbus, Fall River, Friesland, Juneau and Rio.
History Timeline of Farmers & Merchants Union Bank
September 5, 1861: Union Bank Opens in room of Dry Goods Store (private bank) | President: John R. Wheeler
September 24, 1862: Bank is incorporated as a state bank
1865: Bank moved into building across street from current location
1872-73: Union Bank sold to brother-in-law Lester R. Rockwell
1884: Bank’s name changes to Farmers & Merchants Union Bank | President: A.G. Cook
1896: John E. Wheeler (son of John R. Wheeler) purchased bank | President: John E. Wheeler | (capital stock $10,000)
1903: Became state bank again (capital stock $25,000)
1903: Capital stock increases to $50,000
1910: J Russell Wheeler attended lecture and became active in agriculture and the Banker-Farmer Movement
1910: Building of original bank was torn down
1916: J Russell Wheeler organized first Banker-Farmer Conference in Madison, WI
1917: John R. Wheeler dies | President: J Russell Wheeler (sold bank stock outside of family)
1919-1920: Louis Sullivan built the FMUB “Jewel Box” | President: J Russell Wheeler (wife: Anna Mae)
June 14, 1920: Moved into “Jewel Box” building
1924: Louis Sullivan dies
1925: William Fritz becomes Bank President
October 14, 1939: Purchased Friesland State Bank | President: William Fritz
1944: William Fritz dies | Fred A. Stare becomes bank President
1960-1961: First addition of drive-thru
1961: FMUB celebrates new addition & 100th Anniversary
1962: T. Bernard “Bud” Thomas becomes bank President
1970: Second addition/remodel drive-thru
October 18, 1972: Placed on National Register of Historic Places
January 7, 1976: Designated National Historic Landmark
1978-1979: Third addition - Tetzlaff Drug Store
1983: John S. Pratt becomes bank President
March 21, 1994: Columbus Branch Opened
1995: Roger Thomas becomes bank President
September 1, 1997: Moved into new Friesland building
1997-1998: “Jewel Box” façade restoration
1999: Randall G. Bobholz becomes bank President
October 2002: Broke ground on Juneau Branch on Jewel St.
February 24, 2003: Juneau Branch opened on Jewel St.
2005-2007: Addition to downtown FMUB building
April 23, 2007: Purchased Fall River Associated Bank Building
April 24, 2007: Fall River Branch opened
2009: Columbus Branch addition & remodel
October 29, 2012: Start of downtown remodel
January 7-18, 2013: Painting & Patchwork in lobby and Mezzanine of downtown office
November 2013: Purchased Greenwoods State Bank building in Rio
December 2, 2013: Rio Branch opened
August 15, 2018: Broke ground on new Juneau Branch building on S. Western Ave.
June 14, 2019: New Juneau Branch building on S. Western Ave. opened